Team profile: Argentina

While their fans may be getting used to disappointment, Argentina's low-key approach to the finals may be just the tonic for one of their many creative players to finally take the mantle from the legendary Diego Maradona.

04 Jun 2006 13:35 GMT

FIFA Ranking: 9

Key players: Hernan Crespo, Juan Roman Riquelme, Carlos Tevez

World Cup record: 14th appearance

Best finish: Champion 1978, 1986

Last appearance: First round 2002

Qualifying route: Second in South American qualifying

Key question: Can Argentina outshine South American arch rival Brazil?